Travel pillow with reactive surfaces for enhanced comfort

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a composite travel pillow that fits about the neck of a wearer for support in a seated or semi-reclined position. Notably, the present pillow includes a resiliently deformable, relatively stiff cap portion fitted to a shoulder portion of the pillow, with the cap portion defining a pair of spaced apart reactive surfaces that can engage an associated seating area. During use, the reactive surfaces provide dynamic interaction with the seating area, with the cap portion mechanically flexing and shaping the pillow on the user. Greatly enhanced support of the head and neck of the user is achieved, considerably enhancing the comfort provided by the pillow when in used in a seated or semi-reclined position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to travel pillows and the like that fit about the neck of a wearer for support in a seated or semi-reclined position, and more particularly to composite travel pillow having a cap portion with a pair of reactive surfaces that engage an associated seating area during use for mechanically flexing and shaping the pillow on the user for enhanced comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pillows which are configured to fit about the neck of a wearer while seated in an airplane, train, car, or the like, typically have a generally U-shaped configuration which defines a neck opening for fitment to the wearer. These types of pillows, commonly referred to as travel pillows, are especially popular for air travel, since aircraft seating ordinarily does not permit the passenger to recline to any significant degree. These types of pillows have a shoulder portion that joins a pair of legs that fit about the neck of the wearer to provide support and comfort for the user's head even in an upright or semi-reclined seating position. These pillows may comprise fill material such as resilient beads, fibrous padding, foam material, or the like for cushioning and resilience for user comfort, or may be inflatable to promote convenient storage when not in use.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,468,072, 6,230,348, D582,713, D481,247, 6,230,349 and 4,345,347, all hereby incorporated by reference, disclose various configurations, of travel pillows.

Experience has shown that the typical travel pillow does not always provide the desired level of comfort and support for the wearer when in use. This is because the typical pillow cannot comfortably conform to the wearer, detracting from comfortable and consistent head support. In use, the typical U-shaped travel pillow exhibits very little conforming motion by the legs of the pillow as a user reclines against the seat back or headrest of the seating area. In some instances, the shape of the pillow can actually cause the pillow legs to diverge or splay outwardly from each other, detracting from a conforming fit and head support, thus detracting from user comfort

The present invention is directed to an improved travel pillow configured for enhanced user comfort, with the pillow dynamically functioning to conform to the wearer during use by reaction with the associated seating area or headrest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a composite travel pillow is particularly constructed to promote user comfort by providing dynamic interaction with a seating area or headrest when the pillow is in use. Notably, the present pillow includes a resiliently deformable, relatively stiff cap portion fitted to a shoulder portion of the pillow. The configuration of the cap portion is such that when a user reclines against a seating area or headrest, reactive regions of the cap portion engage the seating area and mechanically shape leg portions of the pillow to conform and fit to the neck of the user. Greatly enhanced support of the head and neck of the user is achieved, considerably enhancing the comfort provided by the pillow when in use.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, a composite travel pillow configured in accordance with the present invention comprises a pillow body having a generally U-shaped configuration, including a shoulder portion, and a pair of leg portions depending from the shoulder portion in spaced apart relationship. The pillow body is resiliently flexible, and may include flexibly resilient fill material, or may comprise an inflatable structure. The shoulder portion and the leg portions together defining a central opening for fitting the travel pillow about the neck of a user.

The present travel pillow further comprises a cap portion joined to the shoulder portion of the pillow body generally opposite of the depending leg portions. Notably, the cap portion defines a pair of spaced apart reactive surfaces respectively aligned with the leg portions of the pillow body. The cap portion further defines a recess positioned between the reactive surfaces. By this configuration, the reactive surfaces are engageable with an associated seating area when the pillow is being worn by a user, and the recess is spaced from the seating area. The recess between the reactive surfaces permits the cap portion the pillow to flex as the user moves their head rearwardly against the seating area or headrest. By this action, the reactive surfaces act against the leg portions of the pillow body to urge the front of the leg portions inwardly toward each other, conforming the pillow to the head and neck of the wear for enhanced support and comfort.

In the preferred form, the pillow body comprises cushioned, resiliently flexible material for comfortably supporting a user when said pillow is worn. In contrast, the cap portion comprises material exhibiting a relatively higher stiffness than the pillow body for transmitting forces from the reactive surfaces to the leg portions of the pillow body.

In order to promote the contemplated dynamic interaction with the seating area, the cap portion further defines a flexing region positioned intermediate the pair of reactive surfaces, generally at the recess defined by the cap portion. The reactive surfaces are movable relative to the flexing region when the reactive surfaces engage the associated seating area. As shown, the flexing region of the cap portion defines at least one portion of relatively reduced thickness to facilitate relative movement of the reactive surfaces. The flexing region of the cap portion preferably defining a plurality of raised projections extending transversely of the cap portion, with a portion of relatively reduced thickness being defined between adjacent ones of the raised projections.

Depending upon the preferred construction, the pillow body of the present composite travel pillow body may comprise a hollow structure having resilient fill material therein, with the cap portion comprising polymeric material joined to the pillow body. Alternatively, the pillow body may comprise an inflatable structure, with the cap portion comprising polymeric material joined to the inflatable pillow body.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the present composite travel pillow;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the present composite travel pillow;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a substantial mirror image;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view thereof;

FIG. 5A is a side elevational thereof, the opposite side elevation view being a substantial mirror image thereof;

FIG. 5B is an opposite end elevational view thereof; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the mechanical interaction of the present composite travel pillow with an associated seating area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment disclosed herein.

In accordance with the present invention, a composite travel pillow 10 is particularly constructed to promote user comfort by providing dynamic interaction with a seating area, designated 5, when the pillow is in use. As will be described, the present pillow 10 is a composite construction, and includes a cushioned pillow body, and a resiliently deformable, relatively stiff cap portion fitted to a shoulder portion of the pillow body. The configuration of the cap portion is such that when a user reclines against a headrest or seating area S, reactive regions of the cap portion engage the seating area and mechanically shape leg portions of the pillow body to conform fit to the neck of the user. Greatly enhanced support of the head and neck of the user is achieved, considerably enhancing the comfort provided by the pillow when in use.

In the illustrated embodiment, the composite travel pillow 10 comprises a pillow body 12 having a generally U-shaped configuration, including a shoulder portion 14, and a pair of leg portions 16 depending from the shoulder portion in spaced apart relationship. The pillow body is cushioned and resiliently flexible, and may include flexibly resilient fill material, or may comprise an inflatable structure. The shoulder portion 14 and the leg portions 16 together defining a central opening 18 for fitting the travel pillow about the neck of a user.

The present travel pillow 10 further comprises a cap portion 20 joined to the shoulder portion 14 of the pillow body 12 generally opposite of the depending leg portions 16. Notably, the cap portion 20 defines a pair of spaced apart reactive surfaces 22 respectively aligned with the leg portions 16 of said pillow body 12. The reactive surfaces 22 of the cap portion 20, sometimes referred to as “bumps”, each have a generally cupped, outwardly convex configuration, and conform to the shoulder portion 14 of the pillow body 12. The reactive surfaces 22 of the cap portion 20 are engageable with the seat back of the associated seating area, and may be generally rounded as shown to provide the desired engagement even as the pillow 10 is shaped to conform to the wearer.

The cap portion 20 further defines a recess 24 positioned between the reactive surfaces 22. By this configuration, the reactive surfaces 22 are engageable with the associated seating area S when the pillow is being worn by a user, with the recess spaced from the seating area. The reactive surfaces 22 move or flex relative to the recess 24 during use, with the recess 24 functioning generally as a fulcrum to the reactive surfaces. As illustrated, the recess 24 permits the cap portion 20 to flex attendant a user resting or leaning rearwardly onto the pillow 10, as the reactive surfaces 22 engage the seating area S. By this action, the reactive surfaces 22 act against the leg portions 16 of the pillow body 12 to urge the front of the leg portions 16 inwardly toward each other to better support the neck and head of the wearer for enhanced comfort.

In the preferred form, the cushioned pillow body 12 comprises resiliently flexible material for comfortably supporting a user when the pillow 10 is worn. In contrast, the cap portion 20 comprises material exhibiting a relatively higher stiffness than the pillow body for transmitting forces from the reactive surfaces 22 to the leg portions 16 of the pillow body 12.

In order to promote the contemplated dynamic interaction with the seating area, the cap portion 20 further defines a flexing region 26 positioned intermediate the pair of reactive surfaces 22, generally at the recess 24 defined by the cap portion. The reactive surfaces 22 are movable relative to the flexing region 26 when the reactive surfaces 22 engage the associated seating area S.

As shown, the flexing region 26 of the cap portion 20 defines at least one portion 30 of relatively reduced thickness to facilitate relative movement of the reactive surfaces 22, with the flexing region 26 of the cap portion 20 preferably defining a plurality of raised projections 32 extending transversely of the cap portion. Each portion 30 of relatively reduced thickness is defined between adjacent ones of the raised projections 32.

Depending upon the preferred construction, the pillow body 12 of the present composite travel pillow 10 may comprise a hollow structure having resilient fill material therein, with the cap portion 20 comprising polymeric material joined to the pillow body. Alternatively, the pillow body 12 may comprise an inflatable structure, with the cap portion 20 comprising polymeric material joined to the inflatable pillow body. In a current embodiment, and flexibly resilient pillow body 12 comprises resilient fill material and thus holds its shape both during use and during storage. A molded cap portion 20 formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) having a 3.0 mm thickness, and 45 degree hardness, has been bonded to the pillow body to provide the integrated composite structure. The reactive surfaces 22 of the cap portion are thus configured to act through the shoulder portion 14 and flex the leg portions 16 inwardly when the cap portion 20 is flexed rearwardly against the seat back of the seating area S.

The dynamic, mechanical action of the present travel pillow 10 is illustrated diagrammatically in the sequence of view shown in FIG. 6.

In “step 1” the travel pillow 10 is shown in the configuration in which it is made, and as it would appear prior to use. “Step 2” illustrates fitment of the travel pillow in a typical manner about the neck of the wearer, with the leg portions 16 of the pillow body being positioned on respective opposite sides of the head and neck of the wearer.

“Step 3” of FIG. 6 shows the travel pillow 10 on the neck of the wearer as the wearer moves rearwardly or reclines against the seating area S. It will be noted that that configuration of cap portion 20, including reactive surfaces 22 positioned on opposite sides of the flexing region 26 at recess 24, positions the reactive surfaces for engagement with the seating area S.

“Step 4” of FIG. 6 shows the reactive surfaces or “bumps” 22 coming into contact with the seating area S as the wearer moves their head and neck rearwardly, with the reactive surfaces coming into contact with the seating area or headrest before the user's head touches this surface.

“Step 5” of FIG. 6 illustrates the dynamic interaction of the present travel pillow with the seating areas the user's head moves rearwardly into contact with the seating area. By leaning rearwardly so that the head touches the hard surface of the seating area, the reactive surfaces or “bumps” 22 push the pillow front forwardly, with the pressure of the head moving into touching position on the hard surface of the seating area or headrest. As illustrated, this action acts to urge the front of the leg portions 16 of the pillow body inwardly toward each other, conforming the pillow 10 to the user for enhanced head support and comfort.

“Step 6” of FIG. 6 is a view similar to “step 5”, but the pillow 10 is shown without the user's head. As shown, with the pillow leaned against the hard surface of the seating area or headrest, the leg portions 16 are in a closed position, after the reactive surfaces or “bumps” 22 having mechanically pushed the front of the leg portions 16 together, changing the shape of the pillow 10 to conform the pillow around the user.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is is intended to cover, by the appended claims, as such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. 

1. A composite travel pillow, comprising: a pillow body having a generally U-shaped configuration, including a shoulder portion, and a pair of leg portions depending from said shoulder portion in spaced apart relationship, said shoulder portion and said leg portions together defining a central opening for fitting the travel pillow about the neck of a user; and a cap portion joined to said shoulder portion generally opposite of said depending leg portions, said cap portion defining a pair of spaced apart reactive surfaces respectively aligned with said leg portions of said pillow body, and further defining a recess positioned between said reactive surfaces, said reactive surfaces being engageable with an associated seating area when said pillow is being worn by a user and said recess is spaced from the seating area, so that said reactive surfaces act against said leg portions of said pillow body to urge said leg portions inwardly toward each other for the comfort of the wearer.
 2. A composite travel pillow in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pillow body comprises resiliently flexible material for supporting a user when said pillow is worn, said cap portion comprising material exhibiting a relatively higher stiffness than said pillow body for transmitting forces from said reactive surfaces to said leg portions of said pillow body.
 3. A composite travel pillow in accordance with claim 2, wherein said cap portion further defines a flexing region positioned intermediate said pair of reactive surfaces, said reactive surfaces being movable relative to said flexing region when said reactive surfaces engage an associated seating area.
 4. A composite travel pillow in accordance with claim 1, wherein said flexing region of said cap portion defines at least one portion of relatively reduced thickness to facilitate relative movement of said reactive surfaces.
 5. A composite travel pillow in accordance with claim 3, wherein said flexing region of said cap portion defines a plurality of raised projections extending transversely of said cap portion, each of said portions of relatively reduced thickness being defined between adjacent ones of said raised projections.
 6. A composite travel pillow in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pillow body comprises a hollow structure having resilient fill material herein, and said cap portion comprises polymeric material joined to said pillow body.
 7. A composite travel pillow in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pillow body comprises an inflatable structure, and said cap portion comprises polymeric material joined to said inflatable pillow body.
 8. A composite travel pillow, comprising: a pillow body having a generally U-shaped configuration, including a shoulder portion, and a pair of leg portions depending from said shoulder portion in spaced apart relationship, said shoulder portion and said leg portions together defining a central opening for fitting the travel pillow about the neck of a user; and a cap portion joined to said shoulder portion generally opposite of said depending leg portions, said cap portion defining a pair of spaced apart reactive surfaces respectively aligned with said leg portions of said pillow body, and further defining a recess positioned between said reactive surfaces, said reactive surfaces being engageable with an associated seating area when said pillow is being worn by a user and said recess is spaced from the seating area, so that said reactive surfaces act against said leg portions of said pillow body to urge said leg portions inwardly toward each other for the comfort of the wearer, said cap portion comprising a material having a relatively higher stiffness than said pillow body for transmitting forces from said reactive surfaces to said leg portions of said pillow body.
 9. A composite travel pillow in accordance with claim 8, wherein said cap portion comprises a flexing region positioned between said reactive surfaces, said flexing region defining a plurality of raised projections extending transversely of said cap portion, said flexing region further defining at least one portion of relatively reduced thickness of said cap portion between adjacent ones of said raised projections.
 10. A composite travel pillow in accordance with claim 8, wherein said pillow body comprises a hollow structure having resilient fill material therein, and said cap portion comprises polymeric material joined to said pillow body. 